Subic’s story retold in coffeetable book

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) headed by chairman Felicito Payumo, led the launch of the first coffeetable book on the Subic Bay Freeport, recently. Entitled “Pounding Swords to Make Plowshares,” the coffeetable book features Subic Bay in vibrant photographs by Fumio Okada, Danny Wong Barrenechea and Willy Abcede, which captured its rich history, highlighted its numerous tourist attractions and its metamorphosis from a symbol of military might to an epitome of economic performance.

"The transformation of the former US Naval Base is dramatic. Many played major roles in acting out the complicated plot. A climax has been reached now that the facilities left by the Americans are used to give a boost not only to the communities around Subic but to the entire Central Luzon. This drama is re-enacted colorfully in this coffeetable book. Every account, every photograph has its story to tell," said Payumo.

"Pounding swords to make plowshares," the book’s title, is said to have been lifted from the Bible, it is Prophet Isaiah’s invocation for the reign of peace and prosperity, aptly emulating SBMA’s mandate. The historical swords of war of the former US Naval Base have been pounded and converted into virtual plowshares with which to farm business and industrial opportunities in the new Subic.

Subic was derived from the native word "hubek," meaning "head of a plow." The plowshare metaphor is thus sustained in the new context of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The coffeetable book celebrates the new Subic success story: the sword wielded by the white man is now a "hubek" in the hands of the Filipino.

Coinciding with the book launch is the opening of a light and sound museum, the Subic Bay Historical Center, which is part of its continuing campaign of "edutainment" (education and entertainment) through tourism.

The museum provides visitors an audio and visual showcase of Subic’s historical past from the days that it was an Aeta colony to the times that it was utilized as a naval port by the Spanish, the Japanese and the Americans.

Payumo said that the Center will not only be a repository of artifacts about Subic but will also offer materials, literature and multi-media resources for research. "This is part of our ‘edutainment’ campaign which is targeted at school kids, domestic and international visitors who are bound to learn something about us when they come over to visit."

Meanwhile, tourist arrivals in Subic has already registered an impressive 2.4 million mark, from January to April. According to the report submitted by SBMA Tourism Department, tourist arrivals totaled 2,374,617 during the first quarter compared to last year’s 2,141,396. SBMA Tourism added that in March alone, arrivals hit a record-high of 831,970, the highest among the comparative period.

Payumo attributed the increase in visits to the recent openings during the summer season of added attractions in the Freeport. Among the tourists favorites were Grande Island, Zoobic Safari, Heroes’ Trail, Butterfly Garden, the Subic-Bataan Forest Night Adventure and the Ocean Adventure Marine Theme Park.

He said that, "both foreign and local tourists prefer to come down here because of its proximity from Manila and the safe and secure atmosphere that the Freeport is known for."

"We are looking forward to a higher increase in tourism as new attractions which tourists can also visit include ecotourism- based facilities like the new EcoWorkshop Training Center, JEST Camp and El Kabayo Stables," he added.

The El Kabayo riding stables recently launched their offering for the more adventurous Subic tourist, a trail which runs through the lush forests and jungles of Subic and a picturesque peek at the crystal waters of the bay.

SBMA Tourism manager Armin Santos said that they are taking on a new development strategy in the rehabilitation of old and dilapidated former US military housing units here "to enhance its attractiveness and become a model resident community."

Some 200 old housing units located in the Binictan and Kalayaan housing areas have been undergoing major renovations turning the landscape of the Freeport’s residential areas into impressive rows of housing units of modern architectural designs.